Texas Parks & Wildlife Videos

On the Water

While it's easy to think it will never happen to us, these are real stories from survivors of accidents on the water. For information on boating safety, boaters education and how to choose the right life jacket, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/safety/

This story traces the Guadalupe River from its headwaters all the way down to the Gulf, highlighting some of the things you see and can do along the way. For more on Texas rivers, see http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/

River Access, A Few Things to Know
Before your next Texas river trip, check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's web page. You'll be able to find out the rules and regulations regarding public river access in the state. And you'll find all kinds of useful information about fishing, paddling times, put in and take out points.
Watch the Texas Parks & Wildlife television show on Texas PBS stations:
http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Join a group of 8th graders as they raft down the Rio Grande. This 2005 outdoor adventure is more of an outdoor classroom, as the children learn all about the pressures on this once mighty river. From the fight for its precious water, to the invasive trees and shrubs that threaten to take over the river. This is a tale of a river thats down but not out...just yet.

The River Runs Red
The Red River is a dividing line full of interesting people and tales. Travel this historic corridor along the Texas - Oklahoma border. This segment airs on the Texas Parks and Wildlife television show the week of December 25-31, 2012, and repeats the week of June 24-30, 2012, on the Texas PBS stations. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/tv

Kids at Texas A&M's SeaCamp solve mysteries using biology, chemistry, and physics. Their lab experiences are paralleled with the work done in the "real world" by Texas Parks & Wildlife's Forensics group in San Marcos. http://www.tamug.edu/seacamp/

Village Creek State Park near Beaumont is the site of the latest Texas paddling trail. This 21 mile trail meanders through towering pines with multiple access points. Boat rentals available. Info. at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/

[cc] Texas Parks and Wildlife sank a 7000-ton ship 17 nautical miles off the coast of South Padre Island to create an artificial reef on the barren sandy bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. It has become a haven for marine life, anglers and divers. For more information on the artificial reef program, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/overview.phtml

Watch the sinking of the historic WWII ship, the Texas Clipper, to create an artificial reef for marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/overview.phtml

Country music star Kevin Fowler gives some boating safety tips in our "Nobody's Waterproof" public service announcement. Learn more at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/outdoor-learning/boater-education/additional-resources/nobodys-waterproof-campaign

Giant salvinia is an invasive plant that suffocates fish, chokes lakes and can double in size every 7 days. The giant salvinia monster stars in this public service announcement about how to stop it from spreading. Learn more at http://www.texasinvasives.org/. Go behind the scenes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cgiJuoM4Jo

Giant salvinia is an invasive plant that suffocates fish, chokes lakes and can double in size every 7 days. The giant salvinia monster stars in this public service announcement about how to stop it from spreading. Learn more at http://www.texasinvasives.org/. Go behind the scenes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cgiJuoM4Jo

Get a behind-the-scenes look at a public service announcement about the threat of giant salvinia, an invasive plant that's choking Texas waters. See the PSA at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Mf95GDGjg. Learn more at http://www.texasinvasives.org/

An old Navy dive barge has been recycled into an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico to create habitat for marine life http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/artificial_reef/rigs_to_reefs.phtml

[cc] A story from 1/08 about The Kayak Anglers Society of America, an organization that provides free fishing trips to wounded veterans. These vets take a break from their stay at the Brooke Army Medical Center to enjoy an outing at Blanco State Park. For more information, visit www.KayakAnglersSA.org.

The newest Texas paddling trail opens on Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Maps and lakeside boat rentals make it easy to hit the water in the heart of Austin. Paddle to popular local sites such as Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool and the Congress Avenue bridge bats. For more information on this and other paddling trails, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/paddling.

Don't let the hot Texas summers keep you trapped indoors. Here are ways you can have fun outside and stay cool at the same time. It'll cost a lot less than running your air conditioner full blast! For more information on outdoor fun, visit http://lifesbetteroutside.tpwd.state.tx.us/